nebular hypothesis

The nebular hypothesis is the idea first put forward in general terms by
Immanuel Kant in 1775, and then more specifically
by LaPlace in 1796, that the solar
system formed through the progressive condensation of a gassy nebula which once encircled the Sun. It was suggested
that as this nebula rotated and contracted, rings of gas were cast off at
various stages from which the planets subsequently condensed. Accordingly,
the outer planets would have formed first, followed by Mars,
the Earth, Venus,
and Mercury.

This notion of a sequential origin, from outermost planet to innermost,
influenced subsequent debate about the nature of life on our neighboring
worlds. In particular, it implied that Mars was more evolved than the Earth,
so that if intelligent Martians existed they were likely be more advanced
than ourselves (see life on Mars), whereas
Venus, being a younger world, might support only primordial forms of life.
The nebular hypothesis also implied, in sharp contrast with its great rival,
the catastrophic hypothesis, that planets,
and possibly life, around other stars might be common.